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Seniors Turn Grad Students, Using Extra Year of Eligibility
1/14/2021 2:00:00 PM | Softball
DURHAM, N.C. – Although they all graduated from Duke in 2020, three Blue Devils decided to return to campus in the fall using the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA as last year's season was cut short. Raine Wilson, Dominique Salinas and Jazmine Moreno all return for head coach Marissa Young's 2021 squad.
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In what was supposed to be their senior season, Duke softball had put together a 23-4 record, including a nine-game win streak to open the month of March, and received its first national ranking at No. 25 in the final ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 poll. These three Blue Devils knew there was unfinished business, and it was an easy decision that they'd return to Durham for another chance to play on Team Four.
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"Honestly, the decision itself was relatively easy," said Wilson. "The opportunity to get a master's degree from the Fuqua School of Business AND player another year with my team was too great to pass up. We had a wonderful thing going as Team 3, but I am even more excited about Team 4. At Duke, I get the best of both worlds in academics and athletics – the real question is why wouldn't I want to stay here forever?"
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"When I heard that I could have a chance to wear a Duke uniform for one more year and be a part of Team 4…. It was a no-brainer for me to come back," Salinas said. "The decision was made in my head almost instantly when I heard of players getting an extra year. I knew that meant I had to push back post-grad plans I had in place – plans to get a master's in sport psychology – but I also knew coming to play another year with this team and getting to attend Fuqua would be a once in a lifetime opportunity."
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"I was extremely pumped to have another year with the same squad from last year with the addition of the freshmen class," Moreno said. "We were on a roll and have a lot of unfinished business to take care of this year."
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The three grad students bring a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge to the team. As a veteran, Wilson gives credit to the newcomers and continues to build upon her leadership skills.
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"My younger teammates are extremely mature, poised and intelligent," Wilson said. "All I've tried to do is set a good example and be there for them along the way. They continue to push me which makes me want to be a better teammate, captain and person. The growth they've shown this fall is attributed to their tenacity and commitment to Duke softball. The other veterans on this team have done a phenomenal job of leading the way and providing support whenever and wherever its needed."
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Moreno had the chance to work with two freshmen catchers this fall and helped them transition to college softball.
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"It was a lot of fun working with them [Kelly Torres and Francesca Frelick]," Moreno said. "They are like sponges and are always quick to pick up new tools. We all have a great time working together and have gotten extremely close. They're going to do big things here at Duke."
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Having helped build the programs over the past few years, these three Blue Devils know how special this group is.
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"Every year, Duke softball gets better and better," Salinas said. "Team 4 is filled with so many driven girls who are ready to finish the job we didn't get to last year. Because of the uncontrollable events Team 3 had to endure, Team 4 is motivated, passionate, hungry, thankful and ready to take on this year in Duke softball fashion – Together We Will."
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"We're going to be a tough team to play against," Moreno said. "We will compete every single game – no matter who the opponent is. I see us making it far, catch us in the postseason!"
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"The sky is the limit for Team 4," Wilson said. "There is no ceiling for this group, and we all have the tools we need to be great in 2021. We're extremely process-driven so as of now, we're focused on competing every single day. We're itching to get back onto the field and play the game with each other. We're confident in the work we've put in and know how great we can be. I think this team will push the Duke softball program to new heights."
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#GoDuke
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In what was supposed to be their senior season, Duke softball had put together a 23-4 record, including a nine-game win streak to open the month of March, and received its first national ranking at No. 25 in the final ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 poll. These three Blue Devils knew there was unfinished business, and it was an easy decision that they'd return to Durham for another chance to play on Team Four.
Â
"Honestly, the decision itself was relatively easy," said Wilson. "The opportunity to get a master's degree from the Fuqua School of Business AND player another year with my team was too great to pass up. We had a wonderful thing going as Team 3, but I am even more excited about Team 4. At Duke, I get the best of both worlds in academics and athletics – the real question is why wouldn't I want to stay here forever?"
Â
"When I heard that I could have a chance to wear a Duke uniform for one more year and be a part of Team 4…. It was a no-brainer for me to come back," Salinas said. "The decision was made in my head almost instantly when I heard of players getting an extra year. I knew that meant I had to push back post-grad plans I had in place – plans to get a master's in sport psychology – but I also knew coming to play another year with this team and getting to attend Fuqua would be a once in a lifetime opportunity."
Â
"I was extremely pumped to have another year with the same squad from last year with the addition of the freshmen class," Moreno said. "We were on a roll and have a lot of unfinished business to take care of this year."
Â
The three grad students bring a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge to the team. As a veteran, Wilson gives credit to the newcomers and continues to build upon her leadership skills.
Â
"My younger teammates are extremely mature, poised and intelligent," Wilson said. "All I've tried to do is set a good example and be there for them along the way. They continue to push me which makes me want to be a better teammate, captain and person. The growth they've shown this fall is attributed to their tenacity and commitment to Duke softball. The other veterans on this team have done a phenomenal job of leading the way and providing support whenever and wherever its needed."
Â
Moreno had the chance to work with two freshmen catchers this fall and helped them transition to college softball.
Â
"It was a lot of fun working with them [Kelly Torres and Francesca Frelick]," Moreno said. "They are like sponges and are always quick to pick up new tools. We all have a great time working together and have gotten extremely close. They're going to do big things here at Duke."
Â
Having helped build the programs over the past few years, these three Blue Devils know how special this group is.
Â
"Every year, Duke softball gets better and better," Salinas said. "Team 4 is filled with so many driven girls who are ready to finish the job we didn't get to last year. Because of the uncontrollable events Team 3 had to endure, Team 4 is motivated, passionate, hungry, thankful and ready to take on this year in Duke softball fashion – Together We Will."
Â
"We're going to be a tough team to play against," Moreno said. "We will compete every single game – no matter who the opponent is. I see us making it far, catch us in the postseason!"
Â
"The sky is the limit for Team 4," Wilson said. "There is no ceiling for this group, and we all have the tools we need to be great in 2021. We're extremely process-driven so as of now, we're focused on competing every single day. We're itching to get back onto the field and play the game with each other. We're confident in the work we've put in and know how great we can be. I think this team will push the Duke softball program to new heights."
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#GoDuke
Players Mentioned
C/UT
/ Softball
C
/ Softball
OF
/ Softball
C/3B
/ Softball
C/3B
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